Secondary school administrators in South Dakota were surveyed concerning the status of working teenagers. A questionnaire was sent to all public school principals (N=182) who had students in grades 9-12; 149 principals or 82% responded. Results indicate that 30 percent of South Dakota students age 14 years or older work, with the greatest percentage of working students from large school districts. Few schools (18 percent) use a work permit form. A perceived benefit associated with students working is an increased sense of responsibility; however, respondents were split in their perceptions of willingness to stick to a task, sense of accomplishment, and increased self-esteem as benefits of working students. In addition, 22 percent of respondents added money as a benefit for working students. Drawbacks to student employment include decreased school involvement, decreased academic performance, and decreased time spent on homework. Few administrators viewed the effect of working on student learning as a serious problem; most respondents felt this was a slight to moderate problem. (LP)